DID YOU READ

Laura Ziskin (1950-2011)

I’ve been out at interviews and screenings all day, so I haven’t had a chance to write an appreciation of producer Laura Ziskin, who passed away over the weekend after a long battle with breast cancer. Best known as the producer of the “Spider-Man” franchise, Ziskin’s impressive career also included stints at Fox and Disney, where she shepherded a little film called “Pretty Woman” that she first purchased as a spec script and helped turn into one of the signature films of the 1980s.

I never interviewed Ziskin, so I would recommend Drew McWeeny’s piece about Ziskin at HitFix.com. McWeeny met Ziskin several times and talks about her passion for film:

“Ziskin was the sort of person who was a feminist icon because of what she did and how she did it, not because of any philosophy she overtly pushed. She fought for the material she believed in, and she navigated some truly brutal corporate waters over the years without surrendering her own personal standards.”

I only know Ziskin as a voice on “Spider-Man” commentary tracks. But as a lifelong Spidey nerd, her contribution to those wonderful movies, and her obvious commitment to her integrity of the character, were so important. As McWeeny says, bringing a massive undertaking like “Spider-Man” to the screen is a nearly impossible task and bold creative risks — like hiring a guy like Sam Raimi, then best known as a director of weird cult horror films — are rarely taken. In recent years, she helped found Stand Up To Cancer, a great organization devoted to cancer research. Her work trying to help others with cancer was the sort of heroism that makes Peter Parker look like a wuss.

The Best Of The Last

The end is near. In mere days Portlandia wraps up its final season, and oh what a season it’s been. Lucky for you, you can watch the entire season right now right here and on the IFC app, including this free episode courtesy of Subaru.

But now, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the new classics Fred and Carrie have so thoughtfully bestowed upon us. (We’ll be looking back through tear-blurred eyes, but you do you.)

Couples Dinner

It’s not that being single sucks, it’s that you suck if you’re single.

Cancel it!

A sketch for anyone who has cancelled more appointments than they’ve kept. Which is everyone.

Forgotten America

This one’s a “Serial” killer…everything both right and wrong about true crime podcasts.

Wedding Planners

The only bad wedding is a boring wedding.

Disaster Hut

It’s only the end of the world if your doomsday kit doesn’t include rosé.

Your Portlandia Personality Test

Carrie and Fred understand that although we have so much in common, we’re each so beautifully unique and different. To help us navigate those differences, Portlandia has found an easy and honest way to embrace our special selves in the form of a progressive new traffic system: a specific lane for every kind of driver. It’s all in honor of the show’s 8th and final season, and it’s all presented by Subaru.

Ready to find out who you really are? Match your personality to a lane and hop on the expressway to self-understanding.

Lane 10: Trucks Piled With Junk

Your junk is falling out of your trunk. Shake a tail light, people — this lane is for you.

Lane 33: Twins

You’re like a Gemini, but waaaay more pedestrian. Maybe you and a friend just wear the same outfits a lot. Who cares, it’s just twinning enough to make you feel special.

Lane 27: Broken Windows

Bad luck follows you around and everyone knows it. Your proverbial seat is always damp from proverbial rain. Is this the universe telling you to swallow your pride? Yes.

Lane 69: Filthy Cars

You’re all about convenience. Getting your car washed while you drive is a no-brainer.

Lane 43: Newly Divorced Singles

It’s been a while since you’ve driven alone, and you don’t know the rules of the road anymore. What’s too fast? What’s too slow? Are you sending the right signals? Don’t worry, the breakdown lane is nearby if you need it.

Still can’t find a lane to match your personality? Check out all the videos here. And see the final season of Portlandia this spring on IFC.

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the final countdown to Christmas and thanks to IFC’s movie marathon all Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can revel in classic ’80s films AND find inspiration for your last-minute gifts. Here are our recommendations, if you need a head start:

Musical Instrument

Great analog entertainment substitute when you refuse to give your kid the Nintendo Switch they’ve been drooling over.

Breakfast In Bed

Any significant other or child would appreciate these Uncle Buck-approved flapjacks. Just make sure you’re not stuck on clean up duty.

Cocktail Supplies

You’ll need them to get through the holidays.

Dance Lessons

So you can learn to shake-shake-shake (unless you know ghosts willing to lend a hand).

Comfy Clothes

With all the holiday meals, there may be some…embigenning.

Get even more great inspiration all Christmas Eve and Day on IFC, and remember…